Los Angeles Bicyclist Dies After Being Struck by Car
A 54-year-old Los Angeles resident was struck and killed in a car crash on Monday, February 11. The crash happened at the intersection of 82nd Street and Broadway in South Los Angeles. James Findley was bicycling at about 10:25 p.m. when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Findley’s family held a vigil at the intersection on Tuesday.
Possible street racing incident being investigated
The car crash involved two vehicles that were speeding on South Broadway near West 82nd Street, one of which struck Findley. Several parked cars in the vicinity also sustained damage. The driver of the car that killed the bicyclist stopped after the crash and was detained by the police. The driver of the other car sped away. That individual is currently being sought by investigators.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the driver who was detained admitted to the police that he was engaging in an illegal street race. He now faces manslaughter charges.
“The way my brother looked, [the other] car got damaged, you know? Turn yourself in, cause my brother didn’t have to die this way,” said Sharon Findley, the sister of the decedent, speaking to the driver of the other car that sped away from the scene of the accident. Findley leaves behind eight additional siblings and an adult son.
Common liability issues in bicycle and pedestrian accidents
The specifics of the Findley case are unknown. In general, however, there can be complex liability issues involved with bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Personal injury lawyers who evaluate accident cases look for evidence that points to the cause of the accident, which can indicate which party was at fault. Lawyers also consider whether either party may have violated any traffic regulations prior to the crash.
Both bicyclists and drivers have the right to use a roadway, unless a specific regulation directs otherwise. This means that drivers must exercise reasonable caution, such as by only passing a bicyclist when it’s safe to do so, and by providing a safe amount of space between the car and the bike. Intersections are particularly hazardous for bicyclists. Drivers are responsible for only turning when it’s safe to do so, and for keeping an eye out for nearby bicyclists.
Similar issues apply to pedestrian accidents. While pedestrians would be at fault for wandering out into the middle of a roadway with oncoming traffic, drivers would be at fault for failing to exercise reasonable caution, such as by stopping at crosswalks and leaving enough space between the car and the pedestrian.
Where to turn when you need legal help in Los Angeles, CA
For over 25 years, the personal injury attorneys at Ellis Injury Law have been representing injured victims and their families. We’ve recovered over $350 million in settlements for our clients through our effective legal advocacy work. Nothing can erase the effects of an accident or bring back a lost loved one. But you may find a sense of closure in pursuing justice on behalf of yourself or your family. Get in touch today to request a one-on-one consultation with a car accident lawyer in southern California.
Additional resources:
- The Los Angeles Times, Bicyclist killed in possible street racing crash, https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-south-los-angeles-bicyclist-crash-20190212-story.html
- CBS Los Angeles, Police: Driver Admits Street Racing Killed Bicyclist In South LA, https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/02/12/speeding-car-kills-bicyclist-leaves-trail-of-destruction-in-south-la/